plumnovel Chapter 1617 - 821: Autumn Winds Sweep the Fallen Leaves
Chapter 1617 - 821: Autumn Winds Sweep the Fallen Leaves
When Situ Hua spoke, the hall fell silent, and you could hear a pin drop.
Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng’s smile froze on his face, and a trace of imperceptible anger flashed in his eyes.
However, he did not speak to reprimand or stop him.
The so-called "Grandmasters" are the "Ten Grandmasters of the Divine State."
The earliest records can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, an era of a hundred schools contending.
It is not a title conferred by the court, but rather an uncrowned crown fought for by pugilistic world members through their fists.
At its core, is this "Grandmaster Duel."
An arena spanning several years and sweeping across the Martial Arts world.
Every fighter intent on reaching the pinnacle of Martial Arts must, in fair and widely recognized challenges, defeat or draw with their peers, using solid achievements to earn their name.
This is a road paved with thorns, and only by stepping over the names and blood of predecessors and peers can one truly stand on the revered "Grandmaster" position.
Due to its brutal intensity and the need for witnesses from all sides, a Grandmaster Duel often stretches over several years and involves many participants.
Thus, any of the Ten Grandmasters of the Divine State is not one with a false reputation.
Situ Hua chooses to challenge now, in this setting, with intentions as clear as day.
Li Yan made his name in the Northern Land, swept through the Southwest, and quelled the pirates, being in the spotlight.
Even many seniors, like the Wudang Sect Leader or the Sword Immortal of Shu, have said he has the demeanor of a Grandmaster.
However, Li Yan also has weaknesses.
He is too young, rose too quickly, and his reputation is too loud.
Thus, even with various achievements, there are always doubters.
If Situ Hua can defeat Li Yan here, his name will instantly echo North and South, entering the list of Grandmaster candidates,
an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime.
Especially in this setting, with the Crown Prince present, and all eyes watching.
To uphold his reputation and that of the Twelve Primordial Spirits, Li Yan has no reason to refuse.
"Mr. Situ!"
The Crown Prince could no longer hold back, his voice slightly deepened, "Young Hero Li has come from afar, carrying heavy responsibilities, this matter..."
"Your Highness!"
Situ Hua clasped his hands, respectful yet unyielding, "Pugilistic world rules state that when a ’Grandmaster Duel’ begins, unless it’s a deadly feud, no one else should interfere. I admire Young Hero Li’s charisma and seek only to verify our Martial Arts."
"We will stop at an appointed point, without delaying official matters. Please, Your Highness, grant this!"
His eyes burned with battle intent, locking firmly onto Li Yan.
Meeting Situ Hua’s pressing gaze, Li Yan slowly rose, his movements calm and unhurried.
"Since Mr. Situ has such an interest, I shall accompany him,"
Li Yan’s voice was peaceful as he spoke, "I understand the rules of the pugilistic world. It’s a good chance to stretch my muscles, warming up for the journey overseas. Please!"
Ever since Lu Hongyuan mentioned it, he knew this day would inevitably come.
After speaking, he raised his hand in a gesture of invitation, his gaze sweeping over the curved blade at Situ Hua’s waist:
"Does the gentleman use weapons?"
Situ Hua’s eyes flashed with brilliance: "Fists and kicks can also reign supreme! Today we speak only of hand combat, verifying learning!"
"Good!" Li Yan nodded and was the first to head toward the wide stone-floored courtyard outside the hall.
Crown Prince Xiao Jingheng saw this and knew that at this point, interference would be futile and make the Imperial Family appear tyrannical in meddling with pugilistic world affairs.
He waved his hand solemnly, signaling the crowd to step back and make way.
Xian Ashui, Lei Wanjun, and others had their eyes shining.
For them, such a high-level duel was also a rare opportunity to observe.
Wang Daoxuan and Sha Lifei showed varied expressions, Wang Daoxuan stroked his beard in silence, Sha Lifei folded his arms, a cold smile playing at his lips watching the show, while Lv San’s sharp gaze observed the flow of Situ Hua’s aura.
They were confident in Li Yan, only concerned about the opponent’s potential trickery.
In the courtyard, the two stood at three-zhang apart.
Crack!
Situ Hua took a deep breath, and a series of minor detonations erupted from his joints.
His slightly refined demeanor instantly faded, replaced by a fierce and strange aura!
His knees slightly bent, his body swayed like a snake, arms raised, one hand poised like a venomous snake probing the air before his face, while the other hand hung at his waist like a mantis hunting a cicada, with knuckles protruded, his nails faintly glittering with a dark sheen.
Li Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly, a trace of surprise flashing through.
By observing Situ Hua’s attire just now, he knew the opponent’s learning was varied.
The stance of this boxing is also rather peculiar.
It seemed to blend South Seas boxing, Ancient Thai Boxing grappling techniques, and some type of unique claw technique’s initial posture.
His steps carried a sticky, muddy inertia, unseen in the Divine State.
"Young Hero Li, be careful!"
Situ Hua shouted low, his form suddenly darting forward.
Not a direct charge, but a strange zigzagging "Z" step.
Incredibly swift, the stone floor beneath his feet emitted a "hiss" of friction, as if dampened.
In the blink of an eye, he was close to Li Yan.
His left hand’s five fingers hooked, accompanied by a sharp tearing sound through the air, reaching straight for the vital point of Li Yan’s throat!
His right hand moved silently, like a scorpion’s sting, covertly thrusting towards Li Yan’s waist and rib area.
One overt and one covert, vicious and sneaky, revealing the sinister and deadly nature of South Seas combat techniques.
Li Yan’s pupils contracted slightly, realizing upon Situ Hua’s move that this person was not someone with an unwarranted reputation.
His footwork’s strange variation, the viciousness of his attacks, and the eerie power penetrated bone—rare in the Northern Land.
No wonder he dared to use him as a stepping stone.
Li Yan remained as calm as still water, already stepping into the North Emperor Divine Step.
Red Fist’s initial posture—Supporting and Supplementing Stance!
His form was unmoving like a mountain, yet his arms brushed and swept like Cloud Hand in a seemingly relaxed manner, precisely intercepting Situ Hua’s dual claws.
His left hand formed into a palm, with the edge sharp as a blade, twisting to dodge while diagonally slashing at Situ Hua’s wrist reaching for the throat.